VI: Creative and digital experts making tech feel simple
In today’s fast-paced digital world, small business owners wear a lot of hats. You’re the CEO, the marketer, the designer, and the customer service team – often all in one day. The good news? There are powerful tools out there that can simplify your marketing and supercharge your promotions without breaking the bank.
Visual Identity has spent over 35 years helping businesses build powerful and authentic brands. As experts in our field, we know which tools make a real difference – and which ones are just best avoided.
In this article, we feature our preferred list of five easy-to-use marketing tools to promote with ease and with minimal investment, whether you’re just starting up or scaling up.
1. Canva: Design like a pro (Even if you’re not one!)
Visuals matter – and Canva makes it easy to create stunning designs in minutes.
From social media posts to flyers, presentations to posters, Canva’s intuitive drag-and-drop platform empowers business owners to create professional designs, no designer required. Bonus? Plus, you can upload your branding to keep everything consistent across your materials.
🎯 Why we love it: It means clients can use the assets and brand kits we’ve developed together, professionally and consistently. The easy to use templates and intuitive tools support our work rather than undermine it.
💸 Free plan available (Pro plan unlocks extras like background remover).
#CanvaForBusiness #SmallBizDesign #VisualMarketing #BrandConsistency #VisualIdentityApproved
2. MailChimp: Email marketing that actually works!
Still think email marketing is dead? Think again.
MailChimp helps you stay in touch with your audience through branded emails, automation, and simple list management – all from one dashboard. Ideal for newsletters, promotions, or re-engaging customers who’ve gone quiet.
🎯 Why we love it: It keeps your brand in your audience’s mind – because if you’re not there, you’re forgotten. Plus, great analytics and an easy drag-and-drop builder make it scalable as you grow.
💸 Free plan for up to 500 contacts.
#EmailMarketing #MailchimpTips #SmallBusinessGrowth #MarketingAutomation #VisualIdentity
3. Meta Business Suite: Social scheduling, simplified
Managing Facebook and Instagram just got a whole lot easier.
Meta Business Suite lets you create, schedule, and manage posts for both platforms in one place. Track your content’s performance, tweak your strategy, and even respond to comments and messages – all from your desktop or mobile.
🎯 Why we love it: It’s free, efficient, and gives you visibility on what’s working.
💸 100% Free – a must-have for every small business.
#MetaBusinessSuite #SocialMediaTools #InstagramMarketing #FacebookForBusiness #SmallBizTools
4. Google Business Profile: Be Found locally – Instantly
If you run a physical business or serve a local area, this one is essential.
Your Google Business Profile shows up when people search for your business (or businesses like yours). It’s the easiest way to get reviews, post updates, and show off your services right where people are already looking: Google Maps and Search.
🎯 Why we love it: Helps your business rank locally, boosts its trust, and is a no-brainer for all business owner‘s company‘s visibility and findability.
💸 Free for all businesses.
#LocalSEO #GoogleBusinessProfile #BeFoundOnline #SmallBizMarketing #VisualIdentityLocal
5. WordPress & Shopify: Your Website, Your Way
Your website is your digital shop front – Make it attractive. Make it engaging. Make it count.
Choose WordPress if you need a content-rich site with a blog. It’s the perfect showcase for a B2B service-based business. It’s open-source, themed templates and customisable/bespoke, and great for long-term scalability.
Go for Shopify if you‘re running an online store. It’s purpose-built for e-commerce, with powerful tools and APPs for inventory, payments, shipping and much more.
🎯 Why we love them: Both these platforms are Open Source. They help business owners that want to build a website that reflects their brand, gains awareness and drives conversions.
💸 WordPress is free (plus hosting). Shopify offers a free trial.
#WordPressForBusiness #ShopifyStore #WebsiteDesign #EcommerceTools #VisualIdentityWeb
Why these tools work for you – and for us!
Visual Identity believes these tools are especially valuable for our industry and our clients because they empower in-house teams to keep pace with today’s ever-demanding, multi-channel marketing landscape.
Each platform offers an intuitive, low-cost solution for daily activity. Our clients can confidently manage the essentials – freeing up budget and headspace to invest in what we do best: delivering professional, well-considered, strategic and creative development.
It is this partnership approach (Partners Rather Than Suppliers) that underpins our full-service offering – a cohesive blend of web, design, content and marketing strategy that drives real business growth.
Explore our full-service marketing here
Let’s build your brand together
At Visual Identity, we don’t just follow trends – we help you set them. Whether you’re managing a start-up or refining your brand’s next chapter, we’ll guide you through the maze of marketing with clarity, creativity, and strategy.
💡 Follow us next week on Instagram and LinkedIn as we spotlight one of these tools each day and share tips, examples, and design inspiration to help you get the most out of them.
Do you have questions or want a hand getting started? Drop us a message – we’re here to help.
